Livingston County, MI

Located in south central Michigan, Livingston County’s central location provides a solid opportunity for access to a variety of metropolitan areas. Included in these areas are Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint. Livingston County is home to approximately some 160,000 citizens, covering an area of almost 570 square miles. Livingston’s county seat- or administrative center for the county- can be found in Howell. Howell is also the county’s most populated city, home to almost 10,000 citizens! Examining their County’s Court System we can find the 53rd District Court and the 44th Circuit Court.

The 53rd District Court is located in Brighton and Howell. This court is responsible for hearing cases regarding criminal matters (felony or misdemeanor), civil matters, civil infractions (i.e. Traffic tickets), weddings, and divorces. When dealing with civil matters there are three separate divisions. The General Civil division deals with cases where two or more parties are seeking monetary compensation under $25,000. The Small Claims division has no lawyers, juries, or rights to appeal and the case cannot deal with an amount larger than $3,000. The third division is the Landlord Tenant division which deals with all matters related to landlord – tenant agreements.

The Second part to this court system can be found in the 44th District court which is located Howell. This court deals with all other cases which do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. Some of the duties performed within the Circuit Courts Administration Office include jury commission, appointment of attorneys, case evaluation – mediation, and administration of the 44th Circuit Court. Combined, these two court systems create a portion Livingston’s County Judicial system.

License Revocation in Plymouth, MI; Restricted License Granted

"Joseph Awad provided me with excellent service. I was going in front of the D.L.A.D. to apply for a restricted driver's license after my 2nd DUI conviction. Mr. Awad was very reliable and detailed in preparing me for the hearing. ... Any questions I had he was able to provide me with the answers I needed and promptly returned my phone calls. In the end I was granted my restricted license and Mr. Awad was of great assistance through the whole process. I also had a situation where I locked my keys in my car when it was running and had my license revoked. ... Mr. Awad was on vacation and returned my phone call while on his leisure time. ... Mr. Awad prepared me for that process as well and again he helped me to prove that I am responsible enough to safely operate a vehicle. I would recommend him to others in the future."

- RB, Plymouth, MI

OWI Case in Oakland County, MI. Result: Dismissed

"When one is staring into the abyss of life, to lose family, livelihood, career over a DUI, the future reality of one's existence seems bleak. Then one is pulled from that abyss through the litigious determination of Joe Awad and the quality of life is restored. Attorney Awad over a lengthy court period did the impossible, he had a DUI reduced to an OWI arrangement but prior to signing the prosecutor's offer, Attorney Awad and I decided to plead a point of law. This is where Joe Awad is a litigator extraordinaire, he presented the legality of the BAC test to the judge. The judge was intrigued by this point of law and the prosecutor agreed with the finding. The court ruled the evidence invalid and dismissed the case. The result was a traffic fine. My family and especially myself have much to thank him for his due diligence in handling this case. Well done, sir!"

- P.H

OWI Charge Reduced to Careless Driving

"Handling my own OWI would have guaranteed me a conviction, but Joseph Awad defended me in corners I never would have thought to look. My first phone call to him set the tone; he helped to gain perspective and move forward with my defense. I was initially offered a lesser charge of visually impaired driving, which was still financially, legally and personally onerous to accept. Attorney Awad was crucial in helping me understand all my options and outcomes, not just the one offered to me. On my own, I would've accepted this lesser charge as well, but on Attorney Awad's advice--honest and impartially given-- I pursued a further reduction of charges. Attorney Awad was spot on. He successfully argued for reducing my OWI to careless driving, a harmless traffic offense."

"Joe was amazing throughout my almost 6-month ordeal. He had a strategy from the very beginning and never wavered from it. He was extremely thorough and constantly kept an open line of communication from start to finish. After several preliminary hearings where Attorney Awad successfully improved my defense, the case went to trial. Attorney Awad was more than prepared with our defense and how the prosecution would attempt to try the case, very detailed and kept me thinking positive the entire time. The jury returned with a NOT GUILTY verdict. I highly recommend Attorney Awad for your case. You won't regret the decision!"